Steven always held the dream of finding a forever family.
But sadly, at just five months old, he ended up in a high-risk shelter in Texas. His chances of finding that special home seemed distant.
The day Steven arrived at the shelter, he was burdened with a severe case of mange, which left his face swollen and scaly.
The shelter’s policy meant he only had a few days left before facing euthanasia. Fortunately, another Texas rescue arrived just in time to completely turn his luck around!
On a Desperate Path
During a routine visit to the shelter, Austin Pets Alive rescuers happened to meet Steven. Sarah Muirhead, one of the staff, was immediately charmed by his gentle nature.
She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him and, upon learning of his impending fate, decided to act immediately.
Steven’s mange was worse than severe; it was demodectic mange. His condition had become so painful that he would groan from the discomfort. His face was so inflamed that his eyelids appeared almost sealed shut.
“The shelter reported that he ‘appeared to be groaning due to pain, with the skin on his face so inflamed that his eyelids were swollen shut,'” APA shared in a Facebook update.
Rather than letting him face his end, Sarah decided to give Steven another shot at life. She took him home overnight as a foster, but this sweet pup ended up receiving so much more!
Sarah provided him with a regimen of medications, addressing his pain and skin issues with oral, topical, and other specific treatments. She even added fish oil and anti-itch meds to soothe his discomfort.
Along with the medical care, she showered him with love and attention, and Steven responded by blossoming into a lovable, cheerful pooch. What was supposed to be just one night turned into a whole month, as he proved to be the easiest dog anyone could foster!
The New Steven
Thanks to Sarah’s incredible dedication, Steven not only overcame his mange but completely transformed into a new dog.
In just over three weeks, he grew a fresh coat of fur and now looks absolutely amazing.
Apart from his stunning recovery, Steven has become a picture of the perfect companion.
He knows how to sit, listens well, and enjoys playing with toys like every playful pup should.
“This little bundle of joy is almost fully housetrained and already knows how to sit like a pro. He loves to play with toys and will keep you entertained for hours. Steven is currently being treated for mange, but don’t worry—it’s not contagious,” shared APA in Steven’s bio.
With Sarah’s nurturing, Steven broke out of his shell and is determined never to revert back to his old ways!
For now, Steven is relishing life in his foster home, but what he truly desires is a family to call his own. The shelter describes him as ideal for all types of homes, including those with kids and other animals.
“Steven would fit well in ANY home and loves to be around people (including kids) and other dogs,” added the rescuers from Texas.
When the time comes, there’s no doubt Steven will bring happiness to his new family because that’s just who he is!
